Two Bronx Democrats Win Special Elections to Assembly

Two New York Assembly staff members have succeeded their Democratic bosses in special elections in the Bronx held on Tuesday, easily beating their challengers.

Vanessa Gibson, a Democrat, beat Joel Rivera, a Conservative, and Barbara Bowland, a Republican, in the 77th Assembly District. The seat had been held by Aurelia Greene, a Democrat, since 1982 in the Democratic-controlled Assembly.

In the 85th Assembly District, the Democrat, Marcos Crespo, beat the Republican, Leopold Paul. The seat was held by Rubén Díaz Jr. since 1997.

Mr. Díaz was elected Bronx borough president in April and he picked Ms. Greene as his deputy. Mr. Díaz replaces Adolfo Carrión Jr., now President Obama’s urban policy director.

The 77th District covers Highbridge and Morrisania. The 85th district is the Soundview area.